KUCHING: For over five decades, the Chinese Martial Art Association (CMAA) has been a pillar of cultural preservation in Sarawak, keeping the vibrant tradition of lion dance alive.
Founded in 1974 by Master Law Kaw Chai, the association is now gearing up for its 51st anniversary with extensive preparations for the Chinese New Year (CNY) 2025 lion dance performances across private residences and business establishments.
CMAA president Lim Hian Thoong, a dedicated practitioner and advocate for lion dance, shared insights into the association’s enduring commitment to the art form.
“Our training sessions are held three times a week, and when necessary, we ramp up practice sessions to ensure our routines are competition-ready. It’s not just about the physical performance; it’s about dedication and consistency,” Lim said.
CMAA’s CNY lion dance performances are a spectacle of tradition and skill. The lions are guided into premises and make their rounds to prime areas such as the altar, kitchen, bedrooms, and cash register table.
The highlight of the routine is the ‘Cai Ching’ or ‘picking the greens,’ where the lion skillfully peels oranges or pomelos and rearranges them artistically before unveiling Chinese New Year couplets bearing well wishes for prosperity and health.
Interestingly, with 2025 being the Year of the Wooden Snake, the popular traditional routine ‘Encountering A Poisonous Snake’ has come to mind for many lion dance teams. In this routine, the lion prances around the symbolic snake and subdues it without being bitten.
“It is amusing to think how many lion dance connoisseurs would consider it suitable or auspicious to perform a routine of subduing a snake in the Year of the Snake,” he added.
Over the years, lion dance has evolved from a cultural performance into a recognised sport through the establishment of sports associations and federations.
CMAA, one of the oldest registered associations with the Registrar of Societies, transitioned to the Sports Commissioner in 2012 and later facilitated the formation of the Sarawak Dragon-Lion Dance and Wushu Association, a member of the Dragon & Lion Dance Federation of Malaysia.
It has also been instrumental in promoting lion dance in schools as a co-curricular activity with support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports since 2012.
“Many students have been attracted to dragon and lion dance, ensuring that the cultural heritage and sporting aspects are sustained,” Lim said.
What makes lion dance unique in Sarawak is its inclusivity, with students from diverse racial backgrounds participating, reflecting unity through cultural heritage.
seasonal greetings.
